Joan Doris Stroup, nee Schwuchow, 75, of Belleville, Illinois, born Saturday, June 3, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, died Monday, July 28, 2008 at her residence.

Joan graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 1951, attended Lake Forest College and Miss Hickey's School for secretaries in St. Louis and was employed at Shell Oil Company in Wood River. Upon embarking on their Air Force career, Joan particpated in the Officer's Wives Club at each base, was involved in Protestant Women of the Chapel, and served as a Gray Lady while stationed in England and Luke AFB Arizona. She was a realtor in Belleville with Suppiger Realty for 17 years. She was an active member of United Methodist Women in several locations and active in the P.E.O. sisterhood, serving on the state executive board from 1986 to 1993 and continued to remain active there. She was a member of Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL. Sewing, knitting, crafts and quilting have been an important part of her life, as well as serving others.

Preceded in death by her parents - Donald & Marie nee Lenters Schwuchow
Sisters - Arlene Parker
Diane Yack Yearick

Survived by her husband, David Stroup whom she married in August of 1955
Sons,David "Trey" (Tammera) Stroup III of Millstadt, IL,
Scott A. (Dr. Camelia Bui) Stroup of Denver, CO,
Daughter, Melinda "Mindi" (Stephen) Carter of West Wickham, England,
Grandchildren, Katherine, Josephine, and Elizabeth Stroup, and Victoria Carter.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Joan Stroup Memorial Education Fund c/o P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9:00am to 10:30am Friday, August 1, 2008 at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: Memorial service will be held 10:30am Friday, August 1, 2008 at Union United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ed Weston officiating.